Steven Lee Cantrell, 63, of Opelika, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 29, at home surrounded by his family. He was born and raised in Gadsden, Alabama. In 1981, he graduated from the University of Alabama with degrees in finance and banking. Soon after he met and married his wife of 39 years, Julie Green Cantrell. His career in banking took him from Nashville, Tennessee to Johnson City, Tennesse to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he began his consulting business, Cantrell-Henry + Associates. He enjoyed working with many clients throughout the world where he developed lasting friendships. His last 2 clients, located in the Dominican Republic, were among the most special.
He will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, son, uncle and friend. He treasured his relationships with his wife Julie, son Stewart, and soon to be daughter-in-law Kristen. He enjoyed precious times spent playing games, laughing and talking with the people he loved. Steve was also a very talented singer, songwriter and musician; sharing his joy for music with family and friends was something he cherished. If you knew Steve, you knew he loved everything golf. One way he will be remembered is through the Fellowship Cup, which is an event that he and lifelong friend Dwayne began, lasting 20 years. We take comfort knowing that his real impact on earth was eternal.
Steve was preceded in death by this mother, Sonya Cantrell and father-in-law, Peter Green, Sr. He is survived by his wife Julie Cantrell of Opelika; son Stewart Cantrell (Kristen) of Accord, New York; brother, Mark Cantrell (Carol) of Gadsden; Father, Charles Cantrell of Alex City, Alabama; mother-in-law, Shirley Green of Huntsville, Alabama; aunt and uncle, James and Cedricia Wilson of Opelika; several nephews, nieces, sister-in-law’s, brother-in-law’s and cousins.
Steve’s Celebration of Life will be held at First Baptist Church Opelika located at 301 8th St., in Opelika. Dr. Mike King will officiate on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 11a.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service and a lunch/reception following the ceremony.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following:
HaShemMinistries, online at: hashemministries.org or
160 Lee Road 413 Opelika, AL 36804;
Great Commission – India Ministry, GCIM
P.O. Box 837
Auburn, AL 36830
China Partnership, online@chinapartnership.org/stevecantrell or
P.O. Box 588
Metuchen, NJ 08840
The family would like to thank the Spencer Cancer Center and Compassus Hospice for their excellent care.